Mahindra University aims to be a global hub for research, innovation

Mahindra University, Hyderabad (India) is a multi-disciplinary university. It works towards “Educating future citizens for and of a better world” and is envisioned to be a private University that will play a significant role in driving quality improvements and innovation in higher education in the coming years. Mahindra University will focus on generating new knowledge through engagement in cutting-edge research, creating a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, and undertaking collaborative projects with industry and other academic institutions. In 2021, Mahindra University launched the School of Management, the Indira Mahindra School of Education, and the School of Law. The University is backed by Mahindra Educational Institutions (MEI), a subsidiary of Tech Mahindra Ltd, the flagship IT company of the Mahindra Group, a $19.4 billion industrial entity that employs in excess of 2,56,000 employees across 100 countries.

Speaking to Bizz Buzz exclusively, Dr Yajulu Medury, Vice-Chancellor, Mahindra University, outlines his plans for enhancing global collaborations, other expansion plans, overall future roadmap in terms of innovation and research, and much more

How does Mahindra University plan to enhance global collaboration opportunities for students through its new initiatives?

With the rising demand for industry-ready professionals, many universities nationally are opting for global collaborations to ensure that students gain exposure to different skills and perspectives. The enriching educational experiences offer students opportunities to study abroad and gain temporary work permits which opens doors for global job prospects and build international networks. Mahindra University aims to significantly enhance global collaboration opportunities for students through a range of new initiatives. The university leverages the expertise of Indian faculty members to bring forward insights into socio-economic and political conditions, fostering co-authored research papers, books, and collaborative projects with global counterparts. The university has established robust collaborations with esteemed institutions like CentraleSupélec, University of Florida, Babson College, Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, La Trobe University, University of Agder, Virginia Tech, and Cornell University’s SC Johnson College of Business. These collaborations span various formats including online engagements, semester exchange programs, joint research projects, and curricular development initiatives. By facilitating such collaborations, Mahindra University not only broadens students' academic horizons but also prepares them to thrive in a globally interconnected world.

What are the key expansion plans of Mahindra University aimed at broadening academic offerings and campus facilities?

Infrastructure plays a key role in students’ growth and learning. Mahindra University's expansion plans are geared towards significantly broadening its academic offerings and enhancing campus facilities. Anand Mahindra has committed over Rs 500 crore to the university, with investments scheduled from FY25 to FY29. These funds will support the addition of new disciplines and elevate the university to a centre of eminence. The focus is on rapid expansion, bolstering academic quality, attracting top faculty, and ensuring state-of-the-art facilities across all colleges. Currently offering 45 programs across six schools and four centres at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels, Mahindra University plans to establish two new schools – the School of Hospitality Management and the School of Liberal Arts – by 2024-25. Additionally, the launch of the School of Design Innovation underscores the university's commitment to diversifying its academic offerings.

Furthermore, Mahindra University is advancing in AI innovation with the establishment of its Artificial Intelligence (AI) Center of Excellence, leveraging NVIDIA’s accelerated computing platforms. This initiative aims to drive cutting-edge AI research, provide comprehensive education programs, and foster practical applications. These strategic initiatives reaffirm Mahindra University's commitment to academic excellence and innovation in higher education. These initiatives reinforce Mahindra University's proactive approach to growth and innovation in higher education.

Could you please elaborate on Mahindra University's future roadmap in terms of fostering innovation and research across various disciplines?

Mahindra University is committed to fostering innovation and research across diverse disciplines as part of its future roadmap. Recently, the university hosted a delegation of provosts, deans, and academic leaders from 15 prestigious US universities, aimed at enhancing collaboration between Indian and American academia. This initiative aligns with Mahindra University's vision to become a global hub for cutting-edge research and academic excellence. To support this vision, Mahindra University has established multiple Research Centers of Excellence spanning fields such as energy, nanotechnology, Terahertz photonics, artificial intelligence, robotics, and more. These centers engage in advanced research projects in collaboration with industry partners and leading academic institutions worldwide. The university actively encourages faculty and students to pursue research initiatives by providing them with robust infrastructural resources and seed funding. This commitment has resulted in significant achievements, including 700+ patents and publications in renowned journals, showcasing Mahindra University's commitment to international research competitiveness.

What unique facilities and amenities does Mahindra University offer to attract students, and how do these contribute to the overall campus experience?

Mahindra University offers a wealth of unique facilities and amenities designed to enhance the campus experience and attract students. Situated on a sprawling 100-acre campus in Hyderabad, the university boasts modern infrastructure and cutting-edge facilities that foster an optimal learning environment. State-of-the-art laboratories, technologically advanced classrooms, extensive libraries, international standards sports fields and recreational spaces contribute significantly to the academic and personal growth of students.

Moreover, Mahindra University provides comprehensive accommodation and dining facilities, ensuring students' comfort and well-being while pursuing their academics. Mahindra University’s new hostels have been awarded the Gold status as a Green Building, recognized as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) -certified, high-performance buildings. This certification was granted by the U.S. Green Building Council after meeting the criteria for LEED v4 in building design and construction for new construction and major renovations.

The recent addition of a Weather and Air Quality Monitoring Station in collaboration with CUNY and US Consulate General (Hyderabad) furthers the university's commitment to environmental sustainability and student welfare. This holistic approach not only supports academic excellence but also offers students a modern lifestyle and a unique multicultural immersion within a predominantly green campus setting. These facilities collectively enrich the overall campus experience at Mahindra University, making it a preferred destination for students seeking a vibrant and supportive academic environment.

How does Mahindra University prioritize student-centric initiatives in its strategic planning for the coming years?

Mahindra University places a strong emphasis on student-centric initiatives as a cornerstone of its strategic planning for the upcoming years. Central to this approach is the continuous enhancement of academic programs and support services tailored to meet student's diverse needs and aspirations. The university prioritizes initiatives aimed at fostering holistic development, including leadership programs, career counseling, and extracurricular activities that complement academic learning.

Moreover, Mahindra University actively seeks student feedback to refine its offerings and ensure they align with evolving educational trends and industry requirements. The University also emphasizes the integration of technology to enhance learning experiences, providing students with access to advanced facilities and digital resources. By nurturing a supportive and inclusive campus environment, Mahindra University strives to empower students to excel academically and thrive personally, preparing them to succeed in a competitive global landscape. These student-focused approaches highlight the university's dedication to providing an education that prepares graduates with the essential skills and knowledge for future leadership positions.

Can you share examples of recent innovations or research breakthroughs at Mahindra University that have made significant impacts in their respective fields?

Mahindra University stands out in fostering innovation and achieving breakthroughs. Mahindra students secured second and third places at the Babson Collaborative Global Student Challenge 2024. A few student-led startups, incubated in the University's E-hub, have proved to provided technological solutions to real-world problems. The 'Harvested Robotics’ team's project offers farmers a chemical-free weed management system using advanced lasers and robotics. 'Extrive Innovations' designed an ergonomic exoskeleton for workplace safety, earning them third place. These successes highlight Mahindra’s global competitiveness. Mahindra University also shines in technological innovation, winning the Smart India Hackathon (SIH) software edition for four years. Their recent achievement addressed DRDO's challenge on vibration analysis using computer vision, showcasing advanced technology solutions.

Further, Mahindra students innovated V2V chargers for electric vehicles, tackling global EV infrastructure challenges by enabling vehicle-to-vehicle charging. These initiatives demonstrate Mahindra University's commitment to nurturing innovation and preparing students for impactful contributions in diverse fields.